Ana Reyna

Bio: Ana Reyna is an academic researcher from University of Málaga. The author has contributed to research in topics: Middleware & Game theory. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 10 publications receiving 758 citations.

Using Wireless Sensor Networks and Trains as Data Mules to Monitor Slab Track Infrastructures.

Abstract: Recently, slab track systems have arisen as a safer and more sustainable option for high speed railway infrastructures, compared to traditional ballasted tracks. Integrating Wireless Sensor Networks within these infrastructures can provide structural health related data that can be used to evaluate their degradation and to not only detect failures but also to predict them. The design of such systems has to deal with a scenario of large areas with inaccessible zones, where neither Internet coverage nor electricity supply is guaranteed. In this paper we propose a monitoring system for slab track systems that measures vibrations and displacements in the track. Collected data is transmitted to passing trains, which are used as data mules to upload the information to a remote control center. On arrival at the station, the data is stored in a database, which is queried by an application in order to detect and predict failures. In this paper, different communication architectures are designed and tested to select the most suitable system meeting such requirements as efficiency, low cost and data accuracy. In addition, to ensure communication between the sensing devices and the train, the communication system must take into account parameters such as train speed, antenna coverage, band and frequency.

Simulating SMEPP middleware

Abstract: Embedded Peer-to-Peer Systems (EP2P) represent a new challenge in the development of software for distributed systems. The main objective of the SMEPP (Secure Middleware for Embedded Peer-to-Peer Systems) project is to develop a new middleware, based on a new network centric abstract model, specially designed for the above described systems, and trying to overcome the main problems of the currently existing domain specific middleware proposals. This paper presents a SMEPP Middleware component-based simulation tool. The main objective of developing this simulator is to provide a tool to enable the testing of the service model proposed for the middleware and to provide a framework to test different middleware design choices. Simulations will help us to make future decisions. Simulating SMEPP applications, that is, applications running on the SMEPP middleware and based on the API that it offers, help us to make decisions about the most requirement-satisfactory way of constructing the middleware. The simulated middleware API component represents a first approach to middleware design, and introduces some of the architectural issues that must to be solved in the near future.

Simulating SMEPP Middleware

Abstract: Embedded Peer-to-Peer Systems (EP2P) represent a new challenge in the development of software for distributed systems. The main objective of the SMEPP (Secure Middleware for Embedded Peer-to-Peer Systems) project is to develop a new middleware, based on a new network centric abstract model, specially designed for the above described systems, and trying to overcome the main problems of the currently existing domain specific middleware proposals. This paper presents a SMEPP Middleware component-based simulation tool. The main objective of developing this simulator is to provide a tool to enable the testing of the service model proposed for the middleware and to provide a framework to test different middleware design choices. Simulations will help us to make future decisions. Simulating SMEPP applications, that is, applications running on the SMEPP middleware and based on the API that it offers, help us to make decisions about the most requirement-satisfactory way of constructing the middleware. The simulated middleware API component represents a first approach to middleware design, and introduces some of the architectural issues that must to be solved in the near future.

Digital Twin: Enabling Technologies, Challenges and Open Research

Abstract: Digital Twin technology is an emerging concept that has become the centre of attention for industry and, in more recent years, academia. The advancements in industry 4.0 concepts have facilitated its growth, particularly in the manufacturing industry. The Digital Twin is defined extensively but is best described as the effortless integration of data between a physical and virtual machine in either direction. The challenges, applications, and enabling technologies for Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Twins are presented. A review of publications relating to Digital Twins is performed, producing a categorical review of recent papers. The review has categorised them by research areas: manufacturing, healthcare and smart cities, discussing a range of papers that reflect these areas and the current state of research. The paper provides an assessment of the enabling technologies, challenges and open research for Digital Twins.

Digital Twin: Values, Challenges and Enablers From a Modeling Perspective

Abstract: Digital twin can be defined as a virtual representation of a physical asset enabled through data and simulators for real-time prediction, optimization, monitoring, controlling, and improved decision making. Recent advances in computational pipelines, multiphysics solvers, artificial intelligence, big data cybernetics, data processing and management tools bring the promise of digital twins and their impact on society closer to reality. Digital twinning is now an important and emerging trend in many applications. Also referred to as a computational megamodel, device shadow, mirrored system, avatar or a synchronized virtual prototype, there can be no doubt that a digital twin plays a transformative role not only in how we design and operate cyber-physical intelligent systems, but also in how we advance the modularity of multi-disciplinary systems to tackle fundamental barriers not addressed by the current, evolutionary modeling practices. In this work, we review the recent status of methodologies and techniques related to the construction of digital twins mostly from a modeling perspective. Our aim is to provide a detailed coverage of the current challenges and enabling technologies along with recommendations and reflections for various stakeholders.

Blockchain for Internet of Things: A Survey

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping the incumbent industry to smart industry featured with data-driven decision-making. However, intrinsic features of IoT result in a number of challenges, such as decentralization, poor interoperability, privacy, and security vulnerabilities. Blockchain technology brings the opportunities in addressing the challenges of IoT. In this paper, we investigate the integration of blockchain technology with IoT. We name such synthesis of blockchain and IoT as blockchain of things (BCoT). This paper presents an in-depth survey of BCoT and discusses the insights of this new paradigm. In particular, we first briefly introduce IoT and discuss the challenges of IoT. Then, we give an overview of blockchain technology. We next concentrate on introducing the convergence of blockchain and IoT and presenting the proposal of BCoT architecture. We further discuss the issues about using blockchain for fifth generation beyond in IoT as well as industrial applications of BCoT. Finally, we outline the open research directions in this promising area.

Blockchain for AI: Review and Open Research Challenges

Abstract: Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain have become two of the most trending and disruptive technologies. Blockchain technology has the ability to automate payment in cryptocurrency and to provide access to a shared ledger of data, transactions, and logs in a decentralized, secure, and trusted manner. Also with smart contracts, blockchain has the ability to govern interactions among participants with no intermediary or a trusted third party. AI, on the other hand, offers intelligence and decision-making capabilities for machines similar to humans. In this paper, we present a detailed survey on blockchain applications for AI. We review the literature, tabulate, and summarize the emerging blockchain applications, platforms, and protocols specifically targeting AI area. We also identify and discuss open research challenges of utilizing blockchain technologies for AI.